Awhile back I posted on Cruisersforums about LED lighting and the response was helpful but directed towards visiting a chandlery or recommendations for online sources. Ultimately I ended up purchasing four different bulbs.
Bulbs Tested
I tested bulbs from Lighting Ever (LE), Hero-LED, Brightech, and iLLumi Projections (photo above matches order above).
The components are on the back of the printed circuit board. All have electrolytic capacitors which are prone to failure. I considered upgrading to tantalum, which are much more stable, but decided the cost and effort wasn’t worth the effort until I start seeing failures. I also considered adding an epoxy coating to protect against corrosion but again decided to wait and see.
Results
The quality of the light from the Lighting Ever (LE) and Hero-LED bulbs were excellent, closely matching an incandescent bulb. I was disappointed in the blue tint from the Brightech and iLLumi Projection bulbs. iLLumi Projection was misleading in calling their bulb color “pure white” when in reality it is a cool white, but the Brightech was honest about their color temperature.
The iLLumi Projections is on the left while the Hero-LED is on the right, notice the substantial color variation.
Another example of the Hero-LED, nice color and wide lighting angle.
Overall, I found 1.2 watts from the Hero-LED to be the best level of lumens (light produced) with the added bonus of using the least amount of current for the majority of the bulb replacements. The exception being, using the 3 watts Lighting Ever (LE) for kitchen and over the BBQ where added light is helpful. In the salon, I found the Lighting Ever (LE) 3 watts to be too much and the Lighting Ever (LE) 1.5 watt was a comfortable light level at night.
Technical Data
| Brand | Lighting EVER | Hero-LED | Brightech | iLLumi Projections | Lighting EVER |
| Part Number | 600017-WW-3 | SG4-6T-5PK-WW | B00B4351RO | G4-6S-5730-SP-CW-1224-SF | 600016-WW-3 |
| Cost | $2.50 | $3.19 | $6.99 | $4.67 | $2.08 |
| Color | Warm White | Warm White | Cool White | Cool White (Claimed Pure White) | Warm White |
| Lumens | 280 | 120 | 140 | 220 | 160 |
| Wattage | 3.2 watts (claimed 3.0W) | 1.2 watts | 1.4 watts | 2.1 watter (claimed 3.0W) | 1.6 watts (claimed 1.5W) |
| Color Temperature | 3000 Kelvin | 3000 Kelvin | 6000 Kelvin | 6000 Kelvin | 3000 Kelvin |
| Color Rendering Index (CRI) | 85 | 80 | N/A | N/A | 85 |
| Voltage | 12 volts | 12 volts | 12 volts | 12-24 volts | 12 volts |
| Item Weight | 1.6 ounces | 0.3 ounces | 1.6 ounces | 1.1 ounces | 0.8 ounces |
| Assembled Width | 1.4 | 1 | 1.2 | 1 | 1.2 |
| Fixture Features | Not Dimmable | Not Dimmable | Not Dimmable | Not Dimmable | Not Dimmable |
| Incandescent equivalent | 40 watts | 12 watts | 10 watts | 40 watts | 20 watts |
| Average Life | 50000 hours | 50000 hours | N/A | N/A | 50000 hours |
| Number of LED | 21 | 6 | 10 | 6 | 10 |
Install Pictures
Hero-LED
Lighting EVER (3W)
Brightech
With frosted glass and chrome bezel
Seawind 1160 Light Fixtures
There are a total of 24 light fixtures
Port Hull
Qty 4 Master Berth
Qty 2 Hull
Qty 2 Head
Salon
Qty 2 Fore
Qty 3 Aft
Qty 3 Deck/BBQ
Starboard Hull
Qty 3 Queen Berth
Qty 2 Twin Berth
Qty 2 Galley
Qty 1 Head
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